Using the Latest Decor Color and Trends to Attract Buyers

The start of a new year in the real estate industry signals a prime opportunity for sellers to do what it takes to get their home noticed among the sea of listings soon to flood the spring market. After tackling the clutter, necessary repairs and updates, the key to making the best first impression for buyers is using on-trend styling touches to help them emotionally connect. Check out our suggestions below for ways of using some of the trends for 2019 to enhance a home’s features, engage buyers, and take your property from “For Sale” to “Sold” in no time.

A Neutral Gray Backdrop

We can’t say enough about the benefits of using gray or “greige” wall color when staging. This versatile neutral hue instantly brightens a space, enhances its unique features and can increase a property’s perceived size and value. We’re excited to try Benjamin Moore’s 2019 Color of The Year, Metropolitan, a soft, sophisticated, and calm gray that coordinates well with many on-trend palettes.

A Dash of Color

We love adding a little drama against a neutral backdrop of beautiful architectural elements by layering living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms with pops of bold color dispersed throughout a room. One of our favorite industry picks of the year is Pantone’s “Living Coral” for its energy, warmth, and cozy freshness. This color can also make a statement when paired with different shades of blues such as Behr’sColor of the Year pick “Blueprint,” as well as creams and different metallic accents.

Luxe Fabrics and Bold Patterns

We are seeing a lot of lush velvet fabrics and floral patterns in furniture and accents this year. A floral side chair or wall art, velvet pillows, and duvet covers, a patterned area rug, are just a few ways to add texture, depth, and the right amount of sophisticated style to complement a neutral space and grab buyers’ attention.

Mix Up Metals

A mixture of metal accents throughout a room will always be a timeless way to create balance and definition in a space. You can pair complementary finishes such as brass with chrome, copper with yellow gold, rose gold with stainless steel, or any combination of the above so your fixtures and decor create the “wow” factor that buyers will remember.

Elements from Nature

Using natural elements in the home is a trend that continues to gain popularity as people want to feel a connection to the outdoors. Plants in any size, shape or form such as potted succulents used as a dining table centerpiece, wall hangings, or floor plants in woven baskets have a naturally soothing quality that makes them well-suited for bedrooms and bathrooms in particular. Sustainable materials such as jute or seagrass rugs, natural woven pillows and throws, and pottery vases are also great accents for incorporating a welcoming, on-trend vibe into any space.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patti Stern is principal, interior decorator, and professional stager of PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating. She has been decorating and staging homes since 2005. She and her team provide turnkey, full-service home staging and interior decorating to clients across Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. She also developed an award-winning staging program for the luxury homebuilder, Toll Brothers. Her company received the Houzz 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 Awards for Customer Service.